William Fotheringham's preview

The last real chance for the breakaway specialists who aren't pure climbers so expect a hectic first hour and a breakaway fighting out the finish. Past history suggests that at least 10 teams will be yet to win a stage, and they will be desperate; the winner will be a climber who has no interest in the overall and who can sprint. He needs to be good in the heat as well: Samuel Sánchez of Euskaltel or Movistar's Alejandro Valverde will fit the bill.